Soups and Stews
Chicken and Quinoa Soup with Lemon Recipe
Brighten your day with our invigorating Chicken and Quinoa Soup with Lemon, a light yet satisfying bowl of sunshine.
This refreshing soup combines tender chicken and protein-rich quinoa with a zesty lemon twist, creating a perfect balance of flavors that’s both comforting and energizing.
Packed with nutritious vegetables and finished with a sprinkle of fresh dill, this soup is a revitalizing meal that will lift your spirits and nourish your body.
Chicken and Quinoa Soup with Lemon
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until they start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, quinoa, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and chicken is tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves. Add lemon juice and zest.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill if desired.
Notes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
Cooking Tips
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken and remove the bones before serving.
- Add a parmesan rind while simmering for extra depth of flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Zester or fine grater
Possible Substitutions
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Substitute quinoa with rice or small pasta.
- For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas instead of chicken and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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